United Way of Tarrant County today announced the promotion of Crystal Sands as Chief Development Officer, effective immediately.
In her role as Chief Development Officer, Sands provides leadership, strategic vision and direction to the organization and manages all development activities. She oversees workplace campaign, major gifts, donor communication and volunteer management to help support fundraising objectives and maximize community impact for the most vulnerable populations in Tarrant County.
“Crystal has been an integral part of our organization and has successfully led our development efforts by growing our donor base and stewarding current donors,” said Leah King, president and CEO of United Way of Tarrant County. “Her vision and passion will help us drive change in Tarrant County as we continue to meet the ongoing needs of our community.
Sands previously served as Vice President of Donor Relations for United Way of Tarrant County, where she managed the Alexis De Tocqueville giving society, the Women United donor network and the donor stewardship program. Before joining United Way of Tarrant County, she served as the Vice President of Philanthropy for Youth First, Inc. where she directed all major fundraising efforts, including major gifts, planned giving, annual appeal, events, and local, state and federal grants. She has more than 15 years of sales, marketing and customer relations experience, including 13 years in major gift fundraising, corporate sales, business development and strategic planning.
Crystal has a BS in Marketing from Indiana University, Kelley School of Business. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and is also a Veritus Scholar.